Myrtle rust

The plant fungal disease myrtle rust was found in Victoria for the first time in December 2011. It poses a threat to Victoria's nursery, forestry and beekeeping industries, as well as to public parks and gardens and native forests. It can potentially attack all species of the Myrtaceae plant family.

Myrtle rust on Lophomyrtus 'Black Stallion'

Myrtle rust was first detected in Australia on the central coast of New South Wales (NSW) in April 2010. In December 2010, the Myrtle Rust National Management Group agreed that it was not technically feasible to eradicate this disease.

Current situation

Myrtle rust has now been detected at more than 80 sites in Victoria, mainly at production nurseries and wholesale outlets in and around metropolitan Melbourne (see map).

Myrtle rust infected premises

However, detections have also been made at public parks and private residences, as well as at Shepparton, Ballarat, Tynong North and East Gippsland in regional Victoria.

Experience elsewhere in Australia shows it won't be possible to eradicate the disease, so the focus is now on management to minimise its spread and impact.

Myrtle rust is widespread in both New South Wales and Queensland, including some bushland areas, and because the disease is so easily spread, Victoria is likely to see further introductions from these states.

Affected industries and agencies are collaborating with Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) to prepare for future management of the disease in Victoria.

They include the nursery, cut flower, forestry and beekeeping industries, as well as the Municipal Association of Victoria, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Parks Victoria and VicForests. Some of these agencies are already dealing with detections on land which they manage, in line with this phase of the program. However, at present myrtle rust has not been detected in the natural environment.

DEDJTR, potentially affected agencies and other interested people are also monitoring more than 100 high-risk sites around the state, which should provide an early indicator if myrtle rust has spread to that area.

Management of myrtle rust on both public and private land is the responsibility of the land manager. However, DEDJTR will continue to provide land managers (including home gardeners) with advice on how to manage infected material.

Do not go to another site with any host materials after handling suspect material.

Plants which are not in the Myrtaceae family and therefore not hosts of myrtle rust

Citrus

Stone fruit

Pome fruit (eg. apples, pears)

Nut trees

Vegetables

Legumes (eg. lupins, clover)

Conifers

Lilies

Azaleas

Camellias

Roses

Daisies

Rhododendrons

Orchids

Ferns

Grevilleas

Wattles

Banksias

Crepe myrtle

Hakeas

Kangaroo paws

Grasses

Nasturtiums

Hop bushes

However, these and other non-Myrtaceae plants may show similar symptoms due to infection by other rusts.

Myrtle rust attacks young leaves and stems and should not be confused with yellow-coloured lichens growing on tree trunks or branches. Unlike lichens, the fungal spores of a myrtle rust infection are powdery.

Further information on other sites

Following changes to the Victorian Government structure, the content on this site is in transition. There may be references to previous departments, these are being updated. Please call 136 186 to clarify any specific information.